Charles Flynn

Barbara,

 

This needs expert professional help. I do not believe you can do much without it as there are so many different causes. Obviously tomatoes is an example of an iron rich food. There are many more but it will take time to improve the haemoglobin levels.

 

Best wishes to you and Tom

 

Hi Charles, i have had some advice from the nurse who comes around. It has been caused by the chemotherapy which stops rapidly dividing cells from mulitiplying. Although this affects the cancer, it also affects the skin, blood etc but they recover quickly and the cancer doesn't. That is why the blood may be back to normal levels next week, but I'm just trying to give them an extra boost with food. He is having a prescribed supplemental drink which tastes not exactly great. He has been having tomato soup whichI didn't think had much in it, so I'm grateful for you putting me right on that. I have to increase his protein as well. Fillet steak for tea, black pudding and liver for breakfast and it will depend on Toms appetite after that.

 

Best Wishes

Barbara

 

Sounds good!

Barbara,

This needs expert professional help. I do not believe you can do much without it as there are so many different causes. Obviously tomatoes is an example of an iron rich food. There are many more but it will take time to improve the haemoglobin levels.

Best wishes to you and Tom

Minutes of Amenity and Leisure Committee concerning Horse Trams 12th March 2008

*18. Increasing Revenue for the Tramways

Mr Richard Falk from Island 21 joined the meeting at 12.00pm. By way of introduction, he explained

that Island 21 is a local sustainability group. He is a marketing expert now living on the Island, and is a

regular user of the horse trams. Mr Falk gave a presentation setting out a number of ideas for increasing

revenue for the Tramways:

• Advertising is not required. The service does not have an awareness problem. All the Island’s

residents know about it and most tourists will either already be aware of it or will not fail to

notice it on arrival. However, more work could be undertaken with the Department of Tourism

and Leisure to promote the service to tourists, who Mr Falk believes make up the vast majority

of service users.

• The service is not price sensitive. It is not a practical means of transport but an experience.

People want to have that experience and so will pay for it. Mr Falk cited the Santa steam trains

as an example. He suggested a pricing structure of £2.00 for a single journey and £3.00 return,

with children’s tickets being half those prices.

• Horse trams on demand. Mr Falk stated that many people are unaware that there are specific

tram stops and the trams should stop anywhere that it is safe to do so, with passengers just

flagging the trams down. Similarly, the trams should allow passengers to alight anywhere that

it is safe to do so. Linking departures from the Sea Terminal to coincide with the scheduled

arrival of the passenger ferry services would further enhance demand for the service.

• Utilise assets to the full. Mr Falk stated that stable visits, for example, are not promoted. This

could be remedied by the conductors giving out flyers to passengers. In addition, transport

enthusiasts would welcome the chance to visit the tram sheds and view the different vehicles

and would pay for the privilege.

• Use the double decker tram more. Mr Falk suggested the sale of special tickets at a higher

price for a non-stop return trip on the double decker tram at specific times.

• The sale of inexpensive souvenirs, such as the sale of certificates signed by the Mayor to show

that a person has been on the horse trams. These could be sold by the conductors. Another

suggestion is the sale of stuffed toy horses with different name tags to reflect the names of

each of the horses. These could be sold in the Welcome Centre in the Sea Terminal.

• End bad working practices. Mr Falk claimed that some tram drivers are deliberately setting off

from Derby Castle before the arrival of the MER tram so as to avoid having to deal with lots

of passengers. The Tramways Operations Supervisor refuted this allegation.

• Run the trams when people want to use them. Mr Falk stated that the first couple of trams in

the morning are barely used, whilst the evening trams are often full. It would be better to start

the trams later and finish later.

• A supporters’ club. For £100.00 each season a club member could receive a season ticket, a

ride on the first tram of the season with the Mayor, a visit to the stables, a trip on the double

decker tram and a newsletter, for example. For children, the price would be lower, and they

could receive stickers, badges and letters from the horses.

• Special events, such as Santa trams at Christmas and illuminated trams.

• Mr Falk’s final suggestion is, if all else fails, to attract individual sponsorship from wealthy

local residents and/or corporate sponsorship by businesses.

At the end of Mr Falk’s presentation, there was general discussion of some of his ideas, and those

already agreed by the Council. Mr Falk disagreed with the Council’s decision to only run two trams per

hour instead of three as, for example, people who have just missed one will not want to wait half an

hour for the next one. He believes it will also lead to a reduction in revenue. Mr Falk was informed that

359

12th March

2008

the Council has already agreed to increase ticket prices to £2.00 for a single journey, but he does not

agree that a reduction should be given to senior citizens, particularly as most of the adult tickets sold

are to senior citizens. This current practice automatically reduces income levels.

Mr Falk was asked his opinion of nappies for the horses. Whilst he accepts that he is not an expert in

this area, it is his view that horses do not like to have anything touching their hindquarters, and if a

horse were to bolt as a result it could lead to a perception that the service is dangerous.

Members agreed that Mr Falk’s presentation had given them a great deal to think about and suggested

that he repeat it to the full Council. Mr Falk indicated that he would be happy to do so. In the

meantime, he will e-mail his presentation notes to all Councillors.

Mr Falk was thanked for his attendance and left the meeting at 12.34pm.

Members briefly considered Mr Falk’s ideas. The Assistant Chief Executive advised that it would be

wise to undertake feasibility and costing exercises before deciding whether to implement any of them.

Resolved, “That particulars of the presentation and ensuing discussion be noted on the minutes and the

Worshipful the Mayor consult the Town Clerk with a view to arranging a special Council meeting at

which Mr Falk can repeat his presentation to all Members.”

The Tramways Operations Supervisor was thanked for his attendance and left the meeting at 12.50pm.

Tom,

Good luck with your chemo.

Your blog is brilliant and it is inspirational to us lesser mortals - not that you agree with the mortals bit.

Charles

And maybe Richard Falk could give us a breakdown of expenses paid to councillors in Worthing at the same time?

You need to ask him yourself. I know as far as I am concerned I have never ever been paid a penny for my political work over a few decades. No pay, no expenses -zilch!

I have no knowledge about other people's expenses.

I can now confirm that the Leisure and Amenity committee will meet with members of Island21 on the 21st February so that our marketing ideas can be discussed with them. I hope this will be a positive step to assist in retaining and improving the service.

This is recent news which may be of concern.

Large study suggests simvastatin dangers

Patients who switch from atorvastatin to the cheaper simvastatin may be at a 30 per cent increased risk of disease or death due to cardiovascular causes, an analysis of outcomes of switching has suggested.

Led by atorvastatin manufacturer Pfizer's cardiovascular medicine manager, the analysis was presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress, and is awaiting publication in The British Journal of Cardiology.

Some 9,009 patients who continued on atorvastatin were compared with 2,511 who switched from atorvastatin to simvastatin. The two groups were matched, based on risk factors.

Sad news and a great loss to the World and to the "green movement"

Tributes paid to Body Shop founder

LONDON (Reuters) - Prime Minister Gordon Brown led tributes to Body Shop founder Anita Roddick on Tuesday, describing her as a "true pioneer" who inspired millions to take an ethical approach to business

Roddick suffered a brain haemorrhage and died in hospital in Chichester, West Sussex, on Monday with her family at her bedside. She was 64.

"As one of this country's most successful businesswomen, she was an inspiration to women throughout the country striving to set up and grow their own companies," Brown said.

"She campaigned for green issues for many years before it became fashionable to do so and inspired millions to the cause by bringing sustainable products to a mass market."

The Body Shop's Chairman Adrian Bellamy said Roddick had a love of life that touched all those who met her.

"It is no exaggeration to say that she changed the world of business with her campaigns for social and environmental responsibility," he said.

Friends of the Earth Director Tony Juniper described her as a leading light of the green movement. Newspaper headlines paid tribute to "the green queen".

Roddick founded The Body Shop in Brighton in 1976, selling toiletries made from natural ingredients, and her brand became a byword for sustainable business.

She saw her business mushroom into an empire of more than 2,000 stores in 51 different markets. She sold her stake in The Body Shop to France's L'Oreal last year.

L'Oreal's Chief Executive Officer Jean-Paul Agon described her an "inspiration to us all and a tremendous force for good".

A multi-millionaire, Roddick campaigned against human rights abuses and was an environmental activist. The mission statement of The Body Shop was: "To dedicate our business to the pursuit of social and environmental change."

Roddick said it was her mother's frugality during World War Two that inspired her to campaign for environmental issues and question retail conventions.

"We re-used everything, we refilled everything and we recycled all we could. The foundation of The Body Shop's environmental activism was born out of ideas like these," she wrote on her Web site.

Roddick revealed earlier this year that she was suffering from liver damage after contracting the Hepatitis C virus more than 35 years ago and campaigned for support for sufferers of the potentially deadly disease.

(Additional reporting by Paris newsroom)

Death is often the beginning of new hope for many. Their thoughts, examples, friendships live on in others even though the individual has died.

Whether death is the end or just the beginning of an even greater journey is a matter of faith. Pope John Paul II believed in life after death. Millions of others do too.

"To those who do believe, he gives eternal life!" (John 10:28).

However whether you accept this or not it is up to each one of us to ensure that those living now on earth are treated and cared for. It is no good being so heavenly minded that you are no earthly use.

Bob Dylan wrote "Death is not the end".

When you're sad and when you're lonely and you haven't got a friend

Just remember that death is not the end

And all that you've held sacred, falls down and does not mend

Just remember that death is not the end

Not the end, not the end

Just remember that death is not the end

When you're standing at the crossroads that you cannot comprehend

Just remember that death is not the end

And all your dreams have vanished and you don't know what's up the bend

Just remember that death is not the end

Not the end, not the end

Just remember that death is not the end

When the storm clouds gather 'round you, and heavy rains descend

Just remember that death is not the end

And there's no one there to comfort you, with a helpin' hand to lend

Just remember that death is not the end

Not the end, not the end

Just remember that death is not the end

Oh, the tree of life is growing

Where the spirit never dies

And the bright light of salvation shines

In dark and empty skies

When the cities are on fire with the burning flesh of men

Just remember that death is not the end

And you search in vain to find just one law abiding citizen

Just remember that death is not the end

Not the end, not the end

Just remember that death is not the end

TRAVELWATCH ISLE OF MAN

THE MANX PASSENGER WATCHDOG

Information Bulletin 2 – January 29th 2007

Isle of Man

Those interested in being actively involved in setting up TravelWatch Isle of Man are forming a Working Group. At present, the priority is getting organised and making best use of our volunteers. Brendan O’Friel is acting as the Working Group Co-ordinator.

An important task is to establish a list of passenger issues. We will then prioritise these issues and seek improvements.

An early priority is to press for improved passenger information about bus and other services from the Sea Terminal and at the Airport. In due course, we will also seek improved information for our passengers arriving at sea and air terminals in the UK.

We hope to provide helpful information for passengers – an example will be found at this end of this Bulletin

We have growing support from passengers which is very encouraging. We have also had very positive reaction from several MHKs.

North West

TravelWatch NorthWest is holding a public meeting at Crewe on Saturday 10th February. Details are to be found on the TWNW website.

Also on the TWNW website is information about public transport links with ferries in the North West. Click on “Meeting Documents” and find the report on the Liverpool Meeting of 7th October 2006.

The TWNW website has a valuable contacts page including links to the websites of other passenger groups, travel information sources and to the websites of operators.

Passenger Information

Rail Cards for use on the Great Britain rail system can be both purchased and renewed through the Steam Packet Travel Shop at the Sea Terminal. Don’t forget that a Virgin Trains Saver ticket bought with a senior Rail Card entitles the user to travel at any time i.e. the usual restrictions on Saver tickets does not apply to those purchased with a senior Rail card.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport has improved public transport links. Regular buses from directly outside the airport run to Liverpool South Parkway where trains to Birmingham, Manchester and the Merseyrail network are provided. Liverpool South Parkway is a brand new station with good facilities including lifts to all platforms.

A new hourly direct bus service – number 700 – is provided from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Manchester city centre.

Websites which carry our news

www.positiveactiongroup.org

www.travelwatch-northwest.org.uk

Contact details for Brendan O’Friel:-

Phone – 833636

Email Brendan@ofriel.fsnet.co.uk

TravelWatch Isle of Man

The Manx Passenger Watchdog

INITIAL RULES

TWIOM is an association of passengers formed on 15th January 2007.

The purpose of the Association is

“To represent and promote the interests of Isle of Man passengers”

The key objectives of the Association are:-

- To provide opportunities for passengers to express their concerns and needs

- To influence Public Transport Authorities and Operators to improve services for passengers

- To provide Public Transport Authorities and Operators with a passenger organisation to consult

- To encourage integrated public transport provision both on and off the Island

- To co-operate with other bodies in the interests of passengers.

TWIOM will develop a fuller set of rules and/or constitution to be approved by the first Annual General Meeting to be held no latter than 31st January 2008.

Notice of the AGM will be given at least 21 days in advance including notice of any resolutions.

A Working Group will be responsible for developing and managing the Association during its first year. The Working Group will comprise a Chairman, a Treasurer, a Secretary and at least 5 other members, a quorum being 5.

A Treasurer will be appointed by the Working group to manage any TWIOM finances. The Treasurer is authorised to open a Bank Account to hold any TWIOM funds. Cheques must be authorised by two signatures from the Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary.

The Treasurer will prepare a report and accounts to present to the first AGM.

These initial rules were approved by a members meeting on 29th January 2007.

Thanks for this. It saves trailing round the island myself trying to keep up with the news.

Hope some opposition gets elected!

I have given a brief summary of Mrs Craine's talk to my wife. Hilary says she would have agreed with Anne entirely seven years ago but not now.

It is an ideal world of peace and quiet and plenty of safe space which Anne is describing whereas today we have few safe areas for children to play and all of us know parents are under so much pressure to make ends meet and pursue their own careers.

What would the children do all day at home with their mothers if the surroundings are, say a council estate and they are living in a high rise flat.? Our own grand children (7 & 4) live in Leicester. There is another baby due in January. Their mother is a primary school teacher in a faith school, the father is a police officer - a sergeant. Both parents have to work. The neighbourhood is not always safe, so the house is locked back and front and the children are only allowed to play under close supervision. Are these children to sit in front of the television all day long if their mother isn't working or is it better for them to go to nursery school and interact with other children? We have seen a great improvement in academic ability and social skills as a result of their attendance at nursery school.

Fortunately they have just moved into a larger home where there does seem to be more freedom for the children to play with others of their own age and in comparative safety. But perhaps they are the fortunate ones.

Yes Anne is on the right lines in an ideal world but unfortunately it is no longer that for many families even on this beautiful island So parents have to do the best they can albeit with as much support from Gvernment as possible.

We can't turn the clock back or put on our rose tinted spectacles of how we would like it to be. But we are fortunate to have people like Anne as MHK's. Whether we agree with all they say is not the point. Their heart is in the right place and that is a good start.

You should put a link in the 'Internets Finest Hour' thread, I'm well impressed with this!

thanks for the idea.

will do.

charles

The main thrust of the article was to put forward a possible reasonable solution to the situation where there is a post code lottery and patients who are denied what they consider to be a right i.e. treatment which is available elsewhere have to stay silent with the clear probability of dying or going to court to give them hope. The judicial system is costly and wasteful so this course of action is less than ideal.

Obviously this is only one of a number of options which is being discussed as a consequence of the scarcity of resources. You have highlighted correctly the ramifications but let us hope the problem can be resolved and if at any stage we on this Island face the same dilemmas, we at least will learn how not to deal with it.

There are many questions: such as why do pharmaceutical companies such as Roche put the price they do on NHS medicines? Should accountants make the decisions or doctors? Where is increased funding coming from? What is the cost to the country of a mother with a family losing her life and so it goes on.

We can all pose the questions. what are the answers?

Night Shift,

Thank you for your comments. You are telling it as it is for many people.

For Christians Easter Day is the most important day of the year as Christ has left the Tomb, left death behind and is with all people. He has conquered death and and is alive so providing a way for all of us to do so as well.

Enjoy your Easter eggs - the new life of Spring which they signify. And listen to the women in your life - they were the first to hear the Good News of the resurrection!

I quite enjoy reading the occasional prayer. Maybe in Charles, the forum has a sort of virtual church with a bit of a sermon thrown in too.

 

I would be pleased to see more such occasional prayers.

 

Thanks

Nipper,

I will be happy to do this if it is welcomed by the Forum members. Certainly on special days such as Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Christmas.

God bless.

Charles

Yeah but, then it is no longer a glen for what it naturaly is. I dont want to sound harsh but it would be like havuing a disabled chairlift all the way up to mt Everest or something or up a pyramid which isnt natural but you know what I mean

 

you make a very fair point but it is a waste of the internets thing really. because I can virtually guarantee no one will take any notice other than you telling your people that you shall let the manx forums people have a bit of yopur mind.

 

except me I took notice but only in a critical way really.

Doric,

Yes I had thought of this as a possible problem for some but I am more than happy that everyone should enjoy the Glens than just the able bodied provided of course they are not spoilt in the process which I personally don't think they will be.

Of course you have to remember they are managed Glens and were "man made" if I can use the term in the first place.

Let's see what others think.